Volume Five, Friday 1st April 2022

This is the last Newsletter for Term One 2022 and I would like to start by acknowledging the sensational effort of all staff and students this term. The words of JFK about the set of challenges before us, about things not being easy, has been very real as we have adapted and adopted to Omicron and the wet. Amidst these challenges, we are aiming for every student to have a growth mindset, attitude, and personal aspiration to do their personal best (PB) and build resilience. We are aiming for personal bests in the HSC, Year 7 and Year 9 NAPLAN, and Year 10 National Standards Tests. We are aiming for personal bests on the sports fields and courts, in debating, chess, drama, musicals, performance and major works. This is how we develop confidence and resilience but also build respect and integrity; civics and citizenship; those things parents hold and cherish and which we share.

In the southern hemisphere it is somewhat difficult at Easter time to comprehend the sense of anticipation, hope and new life that one does in the northern hemisphere where days are getting longer, spring is in abundance, and the long summer holidays are temptingly close. In Australia, Easter comes as days are shorter and the trees more barren. Easter reminds us, as does nature, that we cannot experience the joy, hope and light of new life, without some pain and darkness. Easter Sunday is preceded by Good Friday. Maybe in our consumerist, affluent society we believe that we can buy or invent our way out of disappointment or some form of suffering. The message of Easter is that suffering, disappointment, loss or diminishment have to be faced and not turned away from – because it is through suffering that we can experience the redeeming love of God; we learn that we have to depend on others; on hope. In an age where we are charged with ensuring that children’s well-being and happiness should be paramount, are we in danger of misleading them into thinking that life will be problem-free? Our young people need the gift of hope that comes from Christ’s resurrection, but they also need to realise it occurred only because of some form of loss, or struggle, or disappointment.

We all need help to gain the resilience required to live fully. We need each other; we need strong supportive, consistent communities such as family and schools, such as Oakhill College.

Thank you to all students, staff and parents for being that community for each other this term. You are all amazing and together we have achieved amazing things.

Have a wonderful holiday break and I look forward to seeing students returning happy and ready for some hard work in Term 2 and our parents and friends at the fields and courts and theatres.

Happy and Holy Easter.

Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal

Sacredness is not mooning around in a special way – let sacredness use your talents and identity. It is an open hand in motion, tending to what is truly needed in the here and now. John Siddique.

De La Salle believed we all have important work to do for God. Doing that day in, day out is what breeds true holiness and a sense of the sacred.

This holy season renew our determination to do as well as we can what is thrown at us each day.

We pray for Mr Trevor Cole who was a staff member at Oakhill College for 15 years. Mr Cole is survived by his wife Lorraine and their three sons.

We pray for Trevor:

Eternal rest grant to him O’ Lord.
May the perpetual light shine upon him.
And may he rest in peace.
Amen.

On Wednesday 23rd March, Mr James Weppner (Class of 2020) and St Bernadette's Castle Hill Seminarian Mr Jack Elkazzi, came to the College to run an Altar Servers course for the young men and women wanting to serve the College in this way. It is heartening to see that we now have nearly 50 students altogether that have signed up over the last few years. I am grateful to James and Jack for coming along to run the course, and even more grateful to the students at the College for wanting to be involved. Mission is alive and well at Oakhill and COVID has certainly not stood in our way.

Mrs Laurainne Marshall
Head of Prayer and Liturgy

A reminder, when Oakhill College returns on Tuesday 26th April, all students must be in full College winter uniform. If you need to order any items, please do so via Flexischools or during the Uniform Shop opening times Saturday 2nd April 9.00am-12.00pm, Monday 4th April 8.00am-11.30am and Thursday 7th April 1.30pm-5.00pm.

Our Year 11, 2023 Girls Enrolment information evening on Monday 28th March drew more potential Oakhill graduates than ever. Applications close on Friday 31st March. The best advocates for why girls come to Oakhill are Oakhill female students. Mikeeli (2022 College Captain) and Jasmine (Year 11) addressed the audience about their positive experiences and why they moved to Oakhill. 

Here are some of Jasmine's reflections:

It feels like only yesterday a very nervous version of myself was sitting in your exact shoes listening to a very similar speech to what I’m doing now, and I can confidently promise you there's nothing to worry about. A very frequent question I get asked since moving to Oakhill is why? Why did you decide for the two most important years of schooling to leave behind the comfort of your previous school and indulge in a fresh start? The reason for this will vary for everyone. Whether it's for academics, the need for a change, the boys that you’ve insisted to your mum you're not interested in, the opportunities provided, the culture or whatever other reason it may be, there is no doubt that new starts can be very daunting, especially to a male-dominated school as large as Oakhill. In saying this, since my first day here at the College only a few months ago I have been shown nothing but hospitality and inclusivity and been encouraged to showcase how strong we girls are. The transition was made smooth due to the large network of support provided, ensuring a community of respect and acceptance.

Alongside this, the connections I've made with the other girls in my grade already, highlight the Lasallian community Oakhill is. Within the short time I've been here, I have come to be involved in a range of various activities and groups. Through a program named ‘Called To Serve’ I have engaged in events and opportunities such as leading tours on Open Day, helping younger students in the Library, making jewellery for Mothers Day, creating ribbons for International Women's Day and also helping out with the boys' basketball. Alongside this, trialling for netball and I also am now a part of the Student Representative Council.

Reflecting on my motivation throughout Year 10, I wasn't the type of person to always put their hand up or take that extra step forward, just as I have with pride at Oakhill. Through these opportunities the College's values are showcased as we are encouraged to make a change, empowered to use our gifts, and challenged to push ourselves.

Making the move to Oakhill was a decision that I am far from regretting. It exposed me to a new environment, providing me with a countless opportunities and a very supportive Lasallian family. It is safe to say that I am very proud to be an Oakhill girl.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Fox Sports visited this week about Mr Ryan Papenhuyzen (Class of 2016) for a promotional video for the NRL Storm game on Sunday 3rd April. Ryan is a proud Oakhill alumnus who is extremely successful in his chosen field, and an all-round superstar who always gives back to Oakhill. If you have been watching Fox Sports, no doubt you would have seen this video often:

We are proud of our alumni and know they are unique, driven, and successful in many fields. With over 20,000 alumni, we rely on our community to keep us informed. Please let us know of any successes via: drive@oakhill.nsw.edu.au.

Mrs Gabby Russo
Marketing & Community Liaison Co-ordinator

Feedback is one of the top ten influences on student achievement. To be successful, students need to understand their current level of performance and what it is they need to do explicitly to bridge the gap between current understanding and desired level of performance. But how do our students respond to feedback? Do they only look at the mark and ignore the comments in the margin? Do they screw up the paper and throw it in the bin? Or do they find and fix their errors or ask for a conversation with the teacher to learn more about what they need to do to improve?

How students respond and what they do with the feedback influences the extent to which they learn from it. Students are encouraged to redraft their work and resubmit to their teacher in order to make effective use of the feedback. Redrafting won’t change the formal assessment mark, but it will help students to move forward in their learning, which is the ultimate aim! If you hear your child developing a negative mindset to the feedback, encourage them to reframe it by asking them to talk through what the next steps are. You might ask them to reflect on how they approached the task, their organisational skills, revision strategies and how they can learn and grow through the experience.

In 2022, the quality and regularity of meaningful feedback is a key strategic focus in Teaching and Learning.

Here is an example of how Drama teachers Mr Warren Flanagan and Ms Lisa Carloss are setting up opportunities for feedback and feedforward.

“FEEDBACK was effectively used in our Year 11 and 9 Elective Drama classes when students in the Senior class performed their Group performances. Students from both elective classes were given the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each performance. During this process, the learning was twofold in the sense that the students giving the feedback were also educated in the rewards and challenges of implementing the elements of drama within a performance. This dynamic class created a potent environment for helping students identify HOW one works efficiently and performs effectively.

The most compelling aspect of the class was the identification from the Year 12 students as to what they would do with the feedback. For example, their understanding (verbally and physically) of exactly what they would do differently next time in order to improve the quality of their individual and collective performance. This workshop was an inspiring display of the powerful rewards of peer-critiquing, teacher feedback and positive-reinforcement, all combined with STUDENT REFLECTION. Students were also given written feedback about the group’s performance including strategies for improvement. 

Mrs Melissa McMahon
Acting Assistant Principal Curriculum

The Australia STEM Video Game Challenge has begun! This year, for the first time, 11 students from Years 9 and 10 are participating in the Australia wide challenge. They must work as a group to create a game reflecting the 2022 theme “Networks”. The winning teams will have their game presented at the PAX Australia convention happening in Melbourne in October.

The 11 students have been working hard to get their game ideas together and create it using Unity or Unreal Engine. They have some great ideas and I’m hoping for a win!

Ms Michelle Salem
TAS Teacher

The first computer coding competition for 2022 for Ms Salem and my classes, involved students solving problems using the Blockly coding language. Students got outstanding results and once again demonstrated that Oakhill students can code! Ms Salem and I were very proud of how the students worked hard to complete their extension work.

Year 7 Technology, 9IST, and 10IST students achieved fine results in Grok Learning’s Coding Challenge February-March 2022. Students entered the beginners competitions and learned coding techniques they can use with the micro:bit and micro:mcqueen robotics kits later in their courses.

The five-week competition required students to use Blockly coding to solve problems of increasing complexity.

The Competition is interactive as they get an immediate response on whether they have got it correct or incorrect and what is wrong with their code and hints on how to fix it.

A sample problem the students completed:

Our best results were:

Mr Brian Johnson
Tas Teacher

On Tuesday 22nd March, Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a study skills session with Year 11. The session focused on helping students identify changes and improvements they could make to their approach to their studies in order to maximise their results in their final years of school.The main areas covered with Year 11 were working effectively in the evenings and dealing with distractions, managing time efficiently, planning for assessments, making brain-friendly study notes on a regular basis, and using a wide variety of active study techniques to suit individual learning preferences. 

Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/. All secondary students and parents at Oakhill also have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills. Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter the username: foroakhillonly and the password: 41results. There are lots of useful handouts on the THINGS TO PRINT page on this site and students can work through the units where they need additional help.

Ms Deborah Gillis
Assistant Principal Pastoral Care

Relationships Australia NSW has a number of programs available in Term 2, 2022. These groups fill up very quickly. You can view the timetable here: Ransw Northern Region Term2 Group Programs 2022

Ms Helen Morris
Student Counsellor / Registered Psychologist

The Oakhill Show Team had a fantastic day on Saturday, at the Castle Hill Show Youth Expo 2022. Students braved difficult conditions to show and parade the College's cattle and to compete in the Young Judges and Parader Competitions.

Our steers Pentire Dobby and Pentire Pete were awarded 2nd and 3rd Place respectively in the Lightweight Steer category and our Galloway steer Minto Gawan was awarded the Greenthorpe Galloway trophy for best Galloway Steer.

Students also competed in the Young Judges competition for both sheep and cattle judging. Oakhill alumni Andrew Scarsbrook (Class of 2019) won 1st Place in the Beef Judging and will compete in the State Finals at the Royal Easter Show.

Congratulations to the following students: 

Beef Parader Competition

• Luke Meredith 2nd Place
• Harry Mayhew 3rd Place
• Alex Compton 3rd Place

Congratulations to the following who competed in the Group Final and qualified for the Beef Parader State Final at the Royal Easter Show next week:

• Cooper Boffo
• Luke Meredith
• Alex Compton

Young Judges Grain Competition

• Jack Kenchington 2nd Place
• Alex Compton 3rd Place

Young Judges Marino Sheep Competition

• Luke Meredith 3rd Place

Young Judges Mariano Fleece Competition

• Cooper Boffo 1st Place

Young Judges Poultry Competition

• Cooper Boffo 1st Place
• Harry Mayhew 2nd Place
• Luke Meredith 3rd Place
• Jack Kenchington 4th Place

On to the Royal Easter Show!

Ms Stellina Trestrail
Co-ordinator of Agriculture

Dear Oakhill students, staff and parents,

We would like to introduce ourselves, Matt Jacobs and Sol Zamora, your Miguel House Captains for 2022. We are thrilled to be leading Miguel with pride, and are committed to serving, empowering, supporting and encouraging our fellow Miguelian students. We aim to create an environment that fosters an unwavering sense of House identity and spirit, where Miguel serves as an inclusive and passionate community for all students.

A little more information about ourselves:

A little bit about Matty:
My name is Matt, and I attended St Angela's Castle Hill before coming to Oakhill. My favourite subject is Biology, and I currently play soccer for Gladesville Ryde Magic. If I could give any advice to my Miguel peers it is to try and get involved in every aspect of the College, whether that be playing sport on the weekend, being engaged in class or helping out as an LYL. Make sure you get out of your comfort zone and try new things.

A little bit about Sol:

Hey Miguel! My name is Sol, and prior to Oakhill, I attended Widemere Public School. It’s a little far away, but I moved closer to Oakhill in my last year of primary school. My favourite subjects are Visual Arts and Society and Culture. Some of my hobbies include working out at the gym, making music and playing the guitar. I’m really looking forward to the year ahead, despite the study, and I hope that myself and every student in Miguel get involved in everything that Oakhill has to offer. I personally believe involvement at the College is what solidifies the Oakhill experience, making new friendships and experiences.

The Dean of our House is Mr Troy McMurrich, whose office is located in the second level of the Solomon building. He is always available for a quick chat and a yarn about his favourite team, Geelong Cats. Mr McMurrich is passionate about our house and works hard to build Miguel House spirit by encouraging us to do our best. He’s our number one advocate and always strives to lead by example. His favourite saying is: “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is!”

A little history about Miguel. Miguel House is named after Saint Miguel Febres Cordero who was an Ecuadorian Roman Catholic religious brother, who influenced early education in Ecuador and wrote many textbooks for France and Spain both in French and Spanish. He became a professed member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, colloquially known as the La Salle Brothers. He was born in 1854, died in 1910, and his feast day is Thursday 29th September.

While Miguel House has not yet hit its stride in the 2022 House Cup, we acknowledge the contributions made by all Miguel students. A particular shout-out to Jacob Matta (Year 11) who is the top points contributor to date. Also to Patrick Ren, Rhys Wilson and Saxon Lowery who are the leading contributors for Miguel House points from Year 7.

Matt Jacobs and Sol Zamora, Miguel House Captains

Tickets are now on sale via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/BYOST

For more information on careers and career planning, visit our website www.oakhillcareers.com.

Following William Looker's (Year 8) moving reading of the Ode, in Martin Place at the 2021 Anzac Day Service, his photo is now being used by Legacy for the upcoming Legacy Appeal.

Coming from a military and legacy family, William proudly wears his mother's, father's and great grandfather's medals in this photo.

Preparations have been underway for some time now for our annual Gala Day. This year is the 14th Oakhill College Gala Day. Gala Day is always a fun-filled day for the whole Oakhill Community. We are seeking your support to ensure this Gala Day is one of the best. Please click here for March 2022 Gala Day Information on how your family can help. Remember many hands make light work. Please consider helping in whatever way you can.

Our annual Gala Day is being held on Saturday 14th May. With our new Innovation Hub precinct well on the way, money raised from this year's Gala Day will be put towards furnishings for the Innovation Hub precinct as well as upgrading our sound and lighting systems. Ten percent (10%) of all profits made on the day will go to the La Salle Technical College, Hohola and The Breakfast Club in Papua New Guinea.

Once again, we are excited to announce that the Major Raffle prize includes a new car valued at over $27,000.00. Details regarding tickets will be sent shortly.

As members of our Oakhill Community there are many ways in which you can help:

• Sponsorship - If you or your business wishes to donate a prize or offer Sponsorship, we have Sponsorship packages available. There are four packages available to sponsors, Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze. To submit your Expression of Interest, click here: https://form.jotform.com/211052678782864. Please click here for 2022 Gala Day Sponsorship Packages. Raffle and chocolate wheel prizes - donations are now being accepted at Student Services for upcycled new and unopened gifts for our raffle and chocolate wheel.
• Volunteers - Currently the Gala Day team is looking for support on the following:
  • Hot chips stall - if you have experience in a Café, Take Away, or using a commercial fryer, then we would love your help. Please contact us.
  • Market Stalls Coordinator - if you could support contacting and liaising with the external market stalls attending Gala Day, please contact us.

Please contact:
Neil Joseph, P and F Gala Day Director
email: PandF.GalaDay@oakhill.nsw.edu.au
Mobile: 0418113160

Kind regards,
Oakhill College P&F Committee